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Teenage Depression and Suicide - from childmind.org
The Netflix series 13 Reasons Why, about the suicide of a fictional high school junior named Hannah Baker, is a big hit with binge-watching teenagers. But suicide experts are concerned that the portrayal of Hannah's death may be upsetting, or even triggering, for some vulnerable adolescents. And they note that the series' main plot device — a batch of 13 tapes Hannah makes before her death, blaming people who have treated her badly — sends an unfortunate message that suicide is an effective revenge fantasy.

Critics' responses to the series have been mixed, with some lauding it as an unflinching look at the emotional pain of bullying, slut-shaming, drugs, drunk driving, betrayal and sexual assault. Others criticize its view of high school as one-note — "and that note is horrifying." Some see the rape and suicide scenes as gratuitously graphic. Whether you find it affecting or sensational, it's important that parents be aware of it, watch it (if your children are) and talk with them about it. On childmind.org we offer a school psychologist and father's take on the series — why it's both powerful and problematic. And below you'll find resources for helping teenagers who may be struggling.